Requirements of the Performance Review

To begin, keep in mind that everything we discuss in this chapter is always going to have a caveat attached: “Depending on your HR team’s established formal review process and requirements.” In any company larger than a dozen people, the HR team will have some templates, processes, and requirements for a formal review process. Anything we discuss here will need to be tailored to that process, and where this course differs from what your HR people are telling you, go with what the HR people are telling you. (This is necessary, because right or wrong, the HR people are the ones that will be holding you accountable to following their process and providing them the data and information they need in the event of a legal challenge or investigation.)

While the HR industry has created a number of standardized performance review formats and processes (such as the “Nine-Box” format, or the “360 Review” process), most companies take those standards and adapt them to their own needs and concerns. Thus, even if you’ve used a particular review framework or process before, take the time to review what your current company’s process is and how the HR folks want it to be conducted.